Arsenal put together a dramatic comeback to defeat Newcastle on Sunday to put an early lead in the Premier League title race at stake.
After falling behind thanks to Nick Woltemade’s first-half header, the Gunners were on the verge of a fourth straight defeat at St. James’ Park.
Gabriel Magalhaes fired in from a 96th-minute corner to put Arsenal in second place, two points clear of Liverpool’s leaders, before Mikel Merino headed in the equalizer.
Arsenal had a chance to finish at the top of the table after Liverpool’s first defeat of the season at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
It appeared to be a long time coming that Mikel Arteta’s men would take advantage of a bad-tempered incident on Tyneside.
The Gunners’ belief that this is their season will be remembered after finishing second in each of their previous three campaigns will depend on how well they win.
The conservative selection of Arteta’s team for last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City was widely criticized.
As Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze made their first appearances in the starting lineup, there was no sign of the Spaniard holding back.
Within five minutes, Eze almost made his mark when Nick Pope brilliantly reversed his low drive.
When Pope escaped conceding a penalty, Arsenal was furious moments later.
Read more about Martinelli’s late strike refutes the Haaland-Led City victory over Arsenal.
Referee Jarred Gillett initially referred to the situation, but VAR instructed him to look into it and overturn Pope’s initial decision before he wiped out Viktor Gyokeres.
As Arsenal pressed for their opening goal, Leandro Trossard hit the post.
Instead, it lasted 34 minutes before reaching the final end.
In recent meetings between the sides, Alexander Isak had repeatedly been Arsenal’s scourge.
With his second goal since becoming the Magpies’ record signing to replace Isak, Woltemade made his first appearance in the Swede’s shoes.
Sandro Tonali’s delivery was headed in the bottom corner by the giant German after Gabriel went down looking for a free kick.
Arsenal won the opening period, but Eddie Howe’s back line struggled to break down the well-organized mass ranks.
Jurrien Timber’s header was saved by Pope for a brilliant save.
After struggling to make an impact against Manchester United, Liverpool, and City, Gyokeres also had another largely ineffective game against less experienced opponents.
Instead, the change was initiated by the man who spent the majority of last season acting as a substitute striker.
Merino’s deft header from Declan Rice’s warm cross was met with a pinpoint header.
Arsenal could still have lost it, as Gabriel’s cross-blocking of Anthony Elanga’s cross with an extended arm resulted in a VAR review.
When the Brazilian defeated Pope to Martin Degaard’s corner in what could be a huge three points, the Brazilian quickly climbed the other end and won the title.
Source: Channels TV
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